In Bed with the Earl by Christi Caldwell

To solve a mystery that’s become the talk of the ton, no clues run too deep for willful reporter Verity Lovelace. Not even in the sewers of London. That’s precisely where she finds happily self-sufficient scavenger Malcom North, lost heir to the Earl of Maxwell. Now that Verity’s made him front-page news, what will he make of her?

Kidnapped as a child, with no memories of his well-heeled past, Malcom prefers the grimy spoils of the culverts to the gilded riches of society. Damn the feisty beauty who exposed the contented tosher to a parade of fortune-hunting matchmakers. How to keep them at bay? Verity must pretend to be his wife. She owes him.

The intimacy of this necessary arrangement—Verity and Malcom thrust together in close quarters—soon sparks an irresistible heat. But when the charade ends, the danger begins. Will love be enough to protect them from a treacherous plot devised to ruin them?

REVIEW:
I enjoyed [In Bed with the Earl] - strong characters, believable scenarios, and subtle wry humor. Verity is hard-working, dedicated to family, and determined to make her way in a man's world and profession. Malcolm has made his fortune and found a family to replace the one stolen from him, but still clings to the dank sewers where he grew up. I would have liked a little more info on the mystery of the missing earl, but the romance here was delightful as was the character development. Well-written with strong dialogue, this series opener definitely inspired me to buy book two.

Forever Your Earl by Eva Leigh

Eleanor Hawke loves a good scandal. And readers of her successful gossip rag live for the exploits of her favorite subject: Daniel Balfour, the notorious Earl of Ashford. So when the earl himself marches into her office and invites her to experience his illicit pursuits firsthand, Eleanor is stunned. Gambling hells, phaeton races, masquerades... What more could a scandal writer want than a secret look into the life of this devilishly handsome rake?

Daniel has secrets, and if The Hawk's Eye gets wind of them, a man's life could be at stake. And what better way to distract a gossip than by feeding her the scandal she desperately craves? But Daniel never expected the sharp mind and biting wit of the beautiful writer, and their desire for each other threatens even his best-laid plans.

But when Eleanor learns the truth of his deception, Daniel will do anything to prove a romance between a commoner and an earl could really last forever.

REVIEW:
Though I loved the basic premise of Forever Your Earl, the execution left me unmoved. Both Eleanor and Daniel were enjoyable characters (she the editor of a gossip rag, he the paper's most popular subject) but the situation they found themselves in was just too contrived for my taste. It was never at all clear why Daniel felt having a reporter along for the ride on his wild escapades would bring less attention than when he set out alone? Nothing about that makes any sense. The book was an OK read but one I had to keep chiding myself to continue. 2.5 stars.

Three Weeks to Wed by Ella Quinn

Lady Grace Carpenter is ready to seize the day—or rather, the night—with the most compelling man she’s ever known. Marriage would mean losing guardianship of her beloved siblings, and surely no sane gentleman will take on seven children not his own. But if she can have one anonymous tryst with Mattheus, Earl of Worthington, Grace will be content to live out the rest of her life as a spinster.

Matt had almost given up hope of finding a wife who could engage his mind as well as his body. And now this sensual, intelligent woman is offering herself to him. What could be more perfect? Except that after one wanton night, the mysterious Grace refuses to have anything to do with him. Amid the distractions of the Season he must convince her, one delicious encounter at a time, that no obstacle—or family—is too much for a man who’s discovered his heart’s desire . . .

REVIEW:
This book lost me from almost the very beginning, after the hero and heroine shared one meal before falling into bed and being struck by eternal love. Never mind that the hero didn't even know the name of his beloved, or that she was the guardian for seven siblings - still it was love! The central conflict always seems contrived - Grace loved him enough to sleep with him after one meal, but didn't trust he would make a good guardian? The evil uncle doesn't enter the book until more than halfway through and is quickly dealt with - he would have made a much more convincing villain if he had entered the story early enough to actually threaten the outcome of this relationship. I slogged through to finish but won't be seeking out any more in this series.

Someone to Romance by Mary Balogh

Lady Jessica Archer lost interest in the glittering excitement of romance after her cousin and dearest friend, Abigail, was rejected by the ton when her father was revealed to be a bigamist. Now that she is twenty-five, however, Jessica decides it is time to wed. Though she no longer believes she will find true love, she is still very eligible. She is, after all, the sister of Avery Archer, Duke of Netherby.

Jessica considers the many qualified gentlemen who court her. But then she meets the mysterious Gabriel Thorne, who has returned to England from the New World to claim an equally mysterious inheritance. Jessica considers him completely unsuitable, especially when, while they are still barely acquainted, he announces his intention to wed her.

When Jessica guesses who Gabriel really is, however, and watches the lengths to which he will go in order to protect those who rely upon him, she is drawn to his cause--and to the man.

REVIEW:
I've read and enjoyed Balogh's Westcott series. Though it was lovely to finally see Jessica find happiness, I had a hard time shaking my initial dislike of her based on previous books. I felt like she was never a fully fleshed out heroine- I never really understood what made her tick. Gabriel on the other hand was a delightful hero, and I did enjoy the way they came together as friends rather than found love in one mighty and unexpected flash. Balogh is a wonderful writer and I find myself hoping the next book focuses on Estelle who I have always enjoyed.

The Governess Game by Tessa Dare

He’s been a bad, bad rake—and it takes a governess to teach him a lesson.

The accidental governess

After her livelihood slips through her fingers, Alexandra Mountbatten takes on an impossible post: transforming a pair of wild orphans into proper young ladies. However, the girls don’t need discipline. They need a loving home. Try telling that to their guardian, Chase Reynaud: duke’s heir in the streets and devil in the sheets. The ladies of London have tried—and failed—to make him settle down. Somehow, Alexandra must reach his heart . . . without risking her own.

The infamous rake

Like any self-respecting libertine, Chase lives by one rule: no attachments. When a stubborn little governess tries to reform him, he decides to give her an education—in pleasure. That should prove he can’t be tamed. But Alexandra is more than he bargained for: clever, perceptive, passionate. She refuses to see him as a lost cause. Soon the walls around Chase’s heart are crumbling . . . and he’s in danger of falling, hard.

REVIEW:
It's impossible not to love a book that starts with a collision in a bookshop, even if the hero does make off with the heroine's prized find! Add in a heroine who sets clocks for a living, a neverending succession of doll funerals, and a sexy hero who is unexpectedly kind to all and you have a lovely love story. Well-written dialogue, engaging characters, and a delightful cast of secondary characters combine to make this book a great read.

The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare

Since his return from war, the Duke of Ashbury’s to-do list has been short and anything but sweet: brooding, glowering, menacing London ne’er-do-wells by night. Now there’s a new item on the list. He needs an heir—which means he needs a wife. When Emma Gladstone, a vicar’s daughter turned seamstress, appears in his library wearing a wedding gown, he decides on the spot that she’ll do.

His terms are simple:
- They will be husband and wife by night only.
- No lights, no kissing.
- No questions about his battle scars.
- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s pregnant with his heir, they need never share a bed again.

But Emma is no pushover. She has a few rules of her own:
- They will have dinner together every evening.
- With conversation.
- And unlimited teasing.
- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s seen the man beneath the scars, he can’t stop her from falling in love…

REVIEW:
I loved the beginning of this book when Emma shows up in a wedding dress made for Ash's former fiance, demanding to get paid. Emma is feisty and proud and compassionate- all a person could want in a romance novel heroine. Ash is a wounded warrior with a wickedly dry sense of humor which makes him an excellent hero. They share a great chemistry and a great dynamic, and watching them fall in love and come to terms with a future together is delightful. All in all a great read!

Misfit Match by Sydney Ann Clary

He had rescued her. Now she would rescue him.

At the age of twenty, Catherine Carr was at the mercy of her aunt and her three cousins. Treated no better than a slave and threatened with an odious marriage, Catherine decided to escape.

As it would happen, she was rescued by Marcus, the Earl of Barrington, whom she had always secretly loved. Marcus, scarred in the war, had returned to London only to be cruelly rejected by his fiancee, Catherine's cousin.

Perceiving marriage would answer to both their needs, Marcus proposed and Catherine accepted. Knowing he did not love her did not change her determination to free him from his bonds of bitterness. She would gladly have paid any price, never suspecting how great the reward.

REVIEW:
I picked up Misfit Match because I love another one of Clary's books (The Duchess and the Devil) and was hoping to find the same magic; sadly I did not. The book was a fine read with an interesting plot, but I just didn't find that same connection to the characters. I only finished it a couple of weeks ago, and already I have a hard time remembering much of anything about the specifics. Catherine's family was terrible but I thought Marcus could have done a much better job of rescuing her from them, and Catherine herself was too dithery for my taste. I also thought there was too much that went unsaid- this book would definitely have been longer to let us see Catherine and Marcus actually develop a relationship. An OK read but not one I'm likely to pick up again. 3 stars.

The Earl of Sunderland by Aubrey Wynne

He’s inherited the title of rake. She hides behind her independence... Fate accepts the challenge.

Grace Beaumont has seen what love can do to a woman. Her mother sacrificed her life to produce the coveted son and heir. A devastated father and newborn brother force her to take on the role of Lady Boldon at the age of fifteen. But Grace finds solace in the freedom and power of her new status.

Christopher Roker made a name for himself in the military. The rigor and pragmatism of the army suits him. When a tragic accident heaves Kit into a role he never wanted or expected, his world collides with another type of duty. Returning to England and his newfound responsibilities, the Wicked Earls’ Club becomes a refuge from the glitter and malice of London society but cannot ease his emptiness.

Needing an escape from his late brother’s memory and reputation, Kit visits the family estate for the summer. Lady Grace, a beauty visiting from a neighboring estate, becomes a welcome distraction. When the chance to return to the military becomes a valid possibility, the earl finds himself wavering between his old life and the lure of an exceptional—and unwilling—woman.

REVIEW:
Though I liked both Grace and Kit as characters, it was hard to fully fall into their love story. The Wicked Earls club made no sense- if members are kicked out when they get married/fall in love, how was Carson able to remain a member? And Kit himself? I also had a difficult time with Grace's breakdown after her friend's birth. Though I think the book would benefit from a strong edit because the pace was uneven, the writing was good and the main characters relatable. All in all a quiet read. 3.5 stars.

King of Hearts by Eileen Putman

Not for nothing is Gabriel Sinclair known as the King of Hearts. This rootless scoundrel won't be tamed. His wit beguiles, his charm seduces, and he's never met a woman he couldn’t captivate. As for family? He's seen enough madness in his own to last a lifetime. He shuns hopeless causes, deeper emotions, any whiff of permanence.

Widowed Louisa Peabody tolerates no man's touch. Her past has shown her men are seducers and abusers. She devotes herself to helping women in need, but her clumsy efforts often end in disaster. After she accidentally saves Gabriel’s life, she persuades him to help her stage a daring rescue from a prison hulk in the Thames.

But it’s a devil’s bargain: Can she protect herself from that wild, reckless fire in his eyes? Can he care for anyone but himself?

REVIEW:
This well-written Regency was awash in delightful secondary characters and more than its fair share of adventure. Gabriel is a great hero- strong but vulnerable, clever but kind, and he has a wicked sense of humor. Louisa was less successful for me- though her passion for justice was appealing, her blinding naïveté about how to go about saving women in need was off-putting. She jeopardized everyone with her determination to right injustices, ignoring the responsibilities she had to the women she had already helped which I found very aggravating. I almost preferred Violet who had a much more rational view of her life and her expectations- thankfully she finds her happy ending as well. I could have done without the subplot of Louisa's brother-in-law as it didn't advance the story in any way, and I certainly find it hard to believe Maitland could have so lost control of a situation it turns out was entirely of his own making- hard to then accept him as an intelligence mastermind. Regardless, these were small quibble with an ultimately entertaining and enjoyable read. I will definitely be looking for the next book in the series.

The Duke's Holiday by Maggie Fenton

The cold, precise Duke of Montford demands things his way: neatly ordered, in place, and adhering closely to the rules. So he is furious when he learns that the tenant of his ducal estate has been dead for a year, and a stranger has been running the Honeywell business—which, by contract, is now Montford’s. When he arrives in Yorkshire to investigate, he discovers that the estate is being run by an unruly, tomboyish woman—and a bluestocking at that!

Fiery redhead Astrid Honeywell is independent and educated. She’s been handling the Honeywell family business for years. And she’s not about to relinquish it to anyone—not even Montford—because of some archaic contract.

Montford and Astrid have an instant hatred for one another…and an undeniable, unspeakable attraction. They must resist this improper desire—after all, Montford has a fiancée in London. But when Astrid’s life is placed in terrible danger, Montford finds he may be willing to risk everything to save her.

REVIEW:
This story was indeed a romp- with recalcitrant children, a wig-wearing grand-dame of an aunt, a crooked castle, and a runaway pig, not to mention a hero and heroine who have nothing at all in common except their desire to steer clear of one another. As Astrid learns her judgement isn't infallible and Montford learns his perfect life isn't a life at all, they battle well-meaning friends and an evil-minded suitor before finally finding their way together. This book introduced a colorful cast of characters and had some genuine laugh-out-loud moments. I for one enjoyed it enough to seek out others in the series.

Sweetest Regret by Meredith Duran

At a house party in the countryside, the joyful spirit of the Christmas season threatens to sweep Georgiana Trent under the mistletoe—and back into the arms of the dashing rogue who broke her heart two years ago. Little does she know that Lucas Godwin has no intention of leaving until he has reclaimed her as his own.

REVIEW:
This sweet Christmas-themed novella is a quietly enjoyable read. Georgiana and Trent are both nursing a broken heart, but watching them try to work together to avert a diplomatic crisis while coping with that pain makes for a great story. As they find their way back to each other despite the chaos of a weekend holiday party, they also share some of the magic of an old-school English Christmas. My only wish is that this book had been a full length novel rather than novella- I didn't get to spend enough time with this lovely couple.

Of Risk and Redemption by K.J. Jackson

A wary widow.
No stranger to love, Lady Desmond is well-versed in the heartache that can accompany it. Burned by her traitorous heart again and again, Cass has determined her life will include only what she can control—and has made her work as the proud proprietress of the Revelry’s Tempest gaming hall her sole mission.

A reluctant viscount.
Inheriting an English title was not something American Rorrick Trowlson wanted in life, nor was the mess that came with the estate. His brother’s mess. A mess he now has to clean up. But to do so, he needs a tract of land his brother flippantly lost in a stupid bet at the Revelry’s Tempest.

A past that needs to be righted.
After he mistakes her for a madam of a brothel, Cass wants nothing to do with the brash American—until she realizes he may be just the key to righting her deepest regret. She strikes a bargain with Rorrick—take her to America and she will sign the land back to him.

As the spark between them quickly turns into a flame, Cass resists, as she had sworn long ago to never be careless with her heart again. Once, twice, she had been a fool—but three times would be the death of her. But can a brazen American with a new title batter down the stalwart defenses of a widowed countess?

REVIEW:
This story is the third in a series, which I didn't realize until I really got into it. Regardless, it works very well as a standalone novel, though I confess after i read it, I did go back and buy books one and two because I wanted to read those stories as well. I liked both Cass and Rorrick, and found their story compelling. I enjoyed their adventure to America and the reason behind it, though it did seem that Cass was extremely naive for a person who runs a gaming hell in London. Watching Cass work through her terrible past experiences and start to trust Rorrick made for a lovely read. Highly recommended.

A Radical Arrangement by Jane Ashford

Brash and Handsome
Sir Justin Keighley is all wrong for a proper young lady like Margaret Mayfield. Everyone knows he is shocking in his opinions, arrogant in his manner, and completely without respect for the common decencies of civilized society. Margaret absolutely will not marry him-no matter what her parents say.

Beautiful and Shy
Margaret was everything Sir Justin detested in a woman-timid, sheltered, and obedient to a fault. It's not until she runs away from him that he finds he must give chase. Margaret is discovering she can be bold and rebellious-intrepid enough to do what she must, and more exciting than Justin ever imagined possible. She's the last woman he would have expected to lead them both into uncharted territory...

REVIEW:
This story is very sweet, as young Margaret finds herself as a result of her interactions with Justin. I confess I found Margaret incomprehensible at the beginning of the story, but upon reflection it seems likely that sheltered girls of her time truly were that out of touch with reality. Watching her grow and develop her own ideas was lovely, though I do think that she seems to have undergone her utter transformation very quickly. That quibble aside, I very much enjoyed the story, though I do think Justin was very forgiving given the manner in which Margaret caused his injury. Still, an enjoyable sweet read.

The Perfect Duchess by Erica Taylor

Andrew Macalister, oft regarded as the Stone Duke of Bradstone, hates his annual birthday ball tradition. He dislikes facing those around him who only see him for his title, and has given up on a chance to live a normal life. That is, until he spots Lady Clara Masson across the ballroom. Clara's twin sister is the woman who infamously jilted Andrew at the altar five years ago, but little does Clara know, Andrew had been smitten with her since childhood, and he finds her presence a ray of sunshine in a dreary dukedom.

When Clara's life is threatened by her evil brother, Johnathan, Andrew must do the only thing he can think of to save her: propose marriage. Between Clara's trust issues and Andrew's battle with societal norms, two find romance under dangerous circumstances.

REVIEW:
This book had a strong premise and decent plot in the beginning, but unfortunately as the characters developed they became less appealing to the reader. Lady Clara vacillates entirely too much- one day she loves and trusts Andrew, the next she doesn't. Rinse and repeat for more than half the novel. Andrew in the meantime is entirely too caught up in the image of who he thinks he needs to be- it seems unlikely one so privileged would be so unable to express himself to get what he wants/needs. I also had a very hard time with the whole plot with Jonathan the evil brother- his actions 5 years ago make little sense given that his father was still alive, and in the present day, it seems it would be a lot easier to dispose of an unwanted sister by murdering her in the country rather than staging a loud public fight in London then planning to have her kidnapped off the street. I was also unhappy with the final motivation for his actions though I won't say more in order not to spoil that element of the story. All in all, a sadly disappointing read.

A Lady's Code of Misconduct by Meredith Duran

A LADY’S CODE OF MISCONDUCT
Fifth in the Rules for the Reckless Series
By Meredith Duran
Pocket Books
Publication Date: February 28, 2017
ISBN: 9781501139024
Price: $7.99

A DEAL WITH THE DEVIL...
Trapped in the countryside, facing an unwanted marriage and the theft of her fortune, Jane Mason is done behaving nicely. To win her freedom, she’ll strike a deal with the most dangerous man she knows—a rising star in politics, whose dark good looks mask an even darker heart.

...NEVER GOES TO PLAN.
The bitter past has taught Crispin Burke to trust no one. He’ll gladly help a lovely young heiress, provided she pays a price. Yet when a single mistake shatters his life, it is Jane who holds the key to his salvation. And in a world that no longer makes sense, Crispin slowly realizes that she may be the only thing worth fighting for...

REVIEW:
It has been a while since I read a new book by Meredith Duran, but this one was certainly worth the wait! Jane is a delightful heroine- strong and intelligent and committed to social justice. Although pre-accident Mr. Burke is definitely no hero, Crispin is an excellent foil and wonderful partner for Jane. Watching him rediscover himself while she takes on both their families made for an engaging and enjoyable read. Duran is always an excellent writer but this book is a stand out. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down until I finished. This book is a highly recommended read!

Check out the rest of the blog tour for other reviews and to enter a giveaway for a chance to win your own copy:

Reading Frenzy – Spotlight

Bookish - Giveaway

Poof Books

Tuesday, March 7^th

I Love Romance

Bookworm2bookworm – Spotlight, Excerpt, and Review

Dirty and Thirty

Wild Wordy Women

Polished Bookworm

Sammi's Bookish Reality

Passionate Reads

Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh my!

Celtic Lady’s Reviews – Spotlight

Wednesday, March 8^th

Moonlight Rendezvous

One More Chapter

Fresh Fiction - Spotlight

Thursday, March 9^th

Happy Ever After Romance Book Reviews

The Book Junkie Reads

Three Boys and an Old Lady blog

Friday, March 10^th

Smitten by Books

Celtic Guardian

Good Earls Don't Lie by Michelle Willingham

Lady Rose Thornton never expected to find a half-naked man in her garden. The handsome Irishman claims to be the Earl of Ashton, but was Iain Donovan truly robbed by thieves? Or is he merely an impoverished stranger lying to her?

After losing everything in the potato famine, Iain is searching for a wife whose dowry will save his estate. The beautiful and charming Lady Rose, unable to walk because of an illness that stole her strength, agrees to help him find a wife, but only if he will help her learn to take her first steps.

As their friendship takes root and blossoms into something more, secrets about Iain’s birthright threaten the growing feelings between them. He has no right to love a woman like Rose, who deserves a better life than he can give her. Rose believes that there is more to Iain than a broken past, and she brings light to his shadows.

Within the walls of a secret garden, sometimes miracles happen…

REVIEW:
This book was well-written and enjoyable, if a trifle slow at many points. I found the beginning rather clunky- it was hard to believe no one knew to expect an earl to be arriving, and I found his attempts to prove his identity rather tedious. Once that was taken care of, the relationship that developed between Iain and Rose was lovely. I definitely enjoyed his efforts to help her walk, and found myself wondering why no one else was pushing for the same outcome. The whole sub-plot with Iain's mother was unexpectedly harsh but understandable once revealed. All in all, a good read.

Rogue's Wager by Christi Caldwell

London, 1821

Lord Robert Dennington, the Marquess of Westfield, has long reveled in the freedom afforded him as the ducal heir. He knows he must someday do right by the Somerset line, but he’s in no hurry to give up his carefree existence.

Helena Banbury is a bookkeeper in a gentleman’s gambling club, adept at analyzing numbers and accounts but helpless for lack of influence. She’s never belonged among the nobility on the gaming hell floors, but neither does she feel completely herself among the men who run the Hell and Sin Club, despite the fact that they are family. The once-illiterate girl from the streets wants more than the gilded walls her protective cage can offer.

When Robert mistakenly enters her chambers one night, Helena is forced out of her predictable life and thrust into the glittering world of Society. Will the charms of the marquess prove more perilous than any danger she ever knew on the streets?

REVIEW:
This regency romance features great characters and some believable dramatic twists. Helena and Robert are both strong characters who make an enjoyable couple, and the secondary characters are also well-drawn (for the most part). The reason I didn't give more stars is the fact that I walked away with more questions than answers regarding Helena's early life. I don't understand how she fell in with her street brothers (and her real brother) given that he was apparently separated from his family at birth, I don't understand why her father never actually searched for his family, and I don't know how Ryker and Helena know who their father is given all that separates them from him. I assume some of these questions might be answered in the next book in the series, but feel they needed to be addressed in this one to make the narrative more believable. Still, all in all a decent read.

The Hunter Bride by Cynthia Woolf

Jo Shafter is not your simpering miss. She’s a bounty hunter and a darn good one. For the last five years she’s tracked down the men who killed her parents and little brother. Finally, she captured ringleader and sent him to prison. Now Jo can begin the new life she wants more than anything, that of a wife with a husband and children. Manlier than most of the men of her acquaintance, she becomes a mail-order bride.

Sam Longworth is the sheriff of Hope’s Crossing. He wants a wife to cook and clean and give him children, a demure miss who won’t give him any trouble. One who will be happy with the simple life he leads.

A nemesis from Jo’s past shows up with murder on his mind and Jo is drawn back into her old life in order to protect not only herself but Sam.

Both Sam and Jo have secrets from their past. Can they build a happy marriage when neither trusts the other with the full truth or will the secrets drive them apart?

REVIEW:
I wanted to enjoy this book, especially given that it dealt with a strong woman trying to make her way in a more conventional world. The problem was that neither Jo nor Sam were particularly realistic characters. The way Jo behaves makes it impossible to believe she could have survived as an independent bounty hunter- she made stupid decisions for no comprehensible reasons other than to create a "conflict" for them to resolve. She and Sam had no true chemistry and he was just kind of a jerk at times. There were also a lot of distracting grammar and spelling errors that made for a frustrating read. I certainly won't be looking to read the rest of the series.

Jilting the Duke by Rachael Miles

Broken Promise, Broken Heart

Aidan Somerville, Duke of Forster, is a rake, a spy, and a soldier, richer than sin and twice as handsome. Now he is also guardian to his deceased best friend’s young son. The choice makes perfect sense—except that the child’s mother is the lovely Sophia Gardiner, to whom Aidan was engaged before he went off to war. When the news reached him that she had married another, his ship had not yet even left the dock.

Sophia does not expect Aidan to understand or forgive her. But she cannot allow him to stay her enemy. She’s prepared for coldness, even vengeance—but not for the return of the heedless lust she and Aidan tumbled into ten years ago. She knows the risks of succumbing to this dangerous desire. Still, with Aidan so near, it’s impossible not to dream about a second chance…

REVIEW:
This historical romance features former lovers reuniting after the death of the man who was best friend to one and husband to another. Aiden and Sophia are both enjoyable characters, and I definitely liked the relationship both had with Sophia's son. The book is well-written and the dialogue believable. The problem for me was that the central "secret" that drives the plot is clearly obvious from the beginning to any discerning reader. It was impossible for me to believe that Aiden couldn't figure out the truth long before he did, which would have negated his admittedly absurd revenge plan. All in all this was an enjoyable enough read but I couldn't get past that one central absurdity.

Miss Truelove Beckons by Donna Lea Simpson

When Truelove Becket’s betrothed went missing in a naval battle, she vowed never to marry unless she found someone she loved as much. In the seven years since then, the quiet vicar’s daughter has lived a simple and contented life helping the poor people of her village. But now another man has asked for her hand in marriage and, unsure if she is ready to commit to him, she agrees to accompany her beautiful cousin Arabella on a trip to visit friends so she can take time to think it over.

Viscount Drake cut a dashing figure when he returned from war to a hero’s welcome, but the Battle of Waterloo left him a shattered and haunted man. As his dreams are invaded by the terrors of war he becomes a sleepless shell of a man, and as his torment grows he begins to wonder if marriage to the lovely Arabella will help restore him again. But as Arabella coquettishly flirts to secure Drake’s hand and his riches, it is the pretty and practical True he turns to for solace.

With the weight of her marriage proposal bearing down on her, True finds herself irresistibly attracted to Drake’s quiet dignity and genuine distress, just as he finds himself drawn to her honest nature and soothing compassion. When a spark of passion ignites between these two who have both lost so much to war, they will have to confront their biggest fears—and everyone else’s plans for their futures—to discover if love can truly cure all ills.

REVIEW:
This lovely romance follows the troubled return to peacetime of a war hero, trying desperately to reintegrate, and the efforts of a determined family and an unexpected friend to help him heal. Truelove is a great character, sympathetic and kind throughout despite the efforts of her family to sabotage her chance to find a happy ending. Drake is a wonderful hero, troubled by his experiences in the war but still dedicated to the ideals for which he fought. His efforts to rediscover his internal peace which dealing with the marital dreams of a determined mother and her best friend make for an excellent story. This is a quiet story, one that is particularly apt for today's audience with so many returning veterans handling similar issues. Well-written with realistic characters and a heartwarming story, this book makes for a great read.